Twelve indigenous youth aged between 18 - 25 years old have been pre-selected to take part in an ambitious project - 'Running to America' - which will send six Indigenous youth to participate in the 2010 New York Marathon.

The Australian Institute of Sport, in conjunction with former World Champion marathon runner and Australian of the Year Robert de Castella are partnering to create an ambitious new program to unearth Indigenous distance running potential from Aboriginal Australians in the Northern Territory.

Project organisers have sought assistance from NT Police in sourcing local talent from remote communities and have asked that where possible, Police assist with mentoring and encouragement of local youth throughout their development program.

Superintendent Andrew Warton is one of the NT Police members who will be mentoring some of the youth through their journey and, will be running the marathon himself in New York.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these youth. The project will provide an opportunity for six indigenous runners to enter the 2010 New York Marathon and in the process, gain valuable leadership, life and sporting skills to take back to their communities.

"The current police role will be to provide mentorship to the young athletes when they are back home at their communities, by way of support and encouragement throughout their training program.

"Community engagement plays a vital part in effective policing in remote communities and this project is just one of the many community programs which Police are involved in and committed to. I know that some of our local members are even training with the youth, to ensure they stay on track for the chance to be selected to run the New York Marathon" he said.

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